But they’re essentially saying it’s going to be the British side of the electronics business so really little difference fron a US BAE subsidiary

I can’t see Germany really needing anything much more than a C-295 based system whereas France needs something more like a P-8. I would assume that the Germans want to save more money on systems than the French (mainly refering to the offensive roles ATL2 is used in) however I also feel that considering the 319MPA proposal that Airbus will be pushing that over any cheaper system. I personally see this as a total s***storm and not going well.

IF Airbus offer a family of aircraft such as AEW, MPA and SIG/ELINT then we may well see the 320 family route being the one taken purely on grounds of local industry and not so much on capability

As long as they are able to track an aircraft they are able to engage it (As long as it is within range). IR weapons may be an issue but I would guess radar guided missiles would be capable of engaging other aircraft.

IIRC Retired in 2006

Bager he never said P-8! He said use the 737 as a base. Although A330 would have made more sense!!!